As the total confirmed cases of the A H1N1 swine flu exceeds
12,950 in 48 countries,first new cases have been reported from Puerto Rico and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The number of fatalities has also risen past 95. As one preventative
measure, Hong Kong’s Department of Health has announced a series of
smoking cessation programs to help reduce the risk of residents
contracting the swine flu virus. A spokesperson stated, “Research
studies show a higher risk of influenza infections among smokers when
compared with non-smokers. Also, the mortality rate … among smokers is
higher than that of non-smokers.”
While non-smokers may indeed be at less risk of contracting swine flu,
perhaps an even more effective way to protect the overall public health
lies in the current meat production system. Epidemic experts fear that
unless demand for meat goes down, we may inevitably face even more
fatal factory farm-related diseases.
Supreme Master Television spoke with Randall Ball in the US, a vegan
produce distributor from a family of pig farmers, about why he felt it
is important to switch to a vegan diet.
Randal Ball – Founder of “Paradise Found” local organic produce
distribution service, USA, Vegan (M): My family historically have been
pig farmers right here in Ohio. My father died when I was two years old
and he died of a heart attack. We were pig farmers, and every single
one of his siblings also died of a heart attack. It made me really
wonder you know about that connection.
When I look at the factory farms, they can only be described as an
abomination to me, both health-wise and from an environmental
standpoint. It's a virtual breeding ground for all diseases. Swine flu,
bird flu, all these really aren't inherent in pigs. The pig is actually
one of the cleanest animals on the planet, if given a choice.
Personally, I've been vegan for coming on two years. I've gained
something that's really hard to describe in our English vocabulary, but
it's a greater connection with life, and just a feeling of being more
alive and a warmer environment. This idea that, with our meals, we
cause this suffering and create this destruction, it's just like a
ceremony that we carry into every aspect of our life. Are we going to
celebrate life or are we going to celebrate death and destruction?
That's really the choice.
VOICE: Our sincere thanks, Mr. Ball, for sharing your personal
experience about the impact of pig farming in your life. We pray with
sadness for the people worldwide suffering from the effects of the
swine flu, especially those who have lost loved ones. Through opting
for the wise vegan lifestyle, may we all awaken soon to a safer world
and enjoy a future that truly celebrates life, together.